KC finds buyer for former child dev facility

After more than two-and-a-half years on the market, Kilgore College’s former Early Childhood Center is on track for new ownership at one of the community’s prime real estate spots.

There’s no word yet what will happen at the site: the bid approved by trustees Monday comes from a Tyler-based firm that owns property throughout the area, including two parcels adjacent to the Kilgore facility at 1009 Brook Drive.

Few details were immediately available about the transaction after the school’s board of trustees voted unanimously Monday night to accept Kimshell Properties’ $150,000 bid for the site.

KC’s board “sunset” the early childhood program following a vote in May 2016, ultimately closing the 5,027 square-foot facility on 1.1 acres on Brook Drive on the eastern side of Hwy. 259 and the outer edge of Kilgore College.

There was no public discussion prior to the vote Dec. 17 – the elected officials’ closed session discussion items included 1009 Brook Drive along with a consultation with their attorney about a “real property matter.” Among other business on their December agenda, the trustees later approved the purchase in open session on a recommendation from the board’s Property & Facilities Committee.

The bidder and purchase price were identified following a Public Information Act request filed Monday evening by the News Herald.

According to available records, Kimshell Properties is headquartered on Front Street in Tyler, with the principal owner listed as Kimble Kubiak along with Shellie Kubiak.

Among various properties in Longview and Kilgore, Gregg County Appraisal District Records show Kimble Kubiak owns two properties adjacent to the Brook Drive site, including a now-vacant space addressed 1000 Houston St. and a corner lot, the former Peddler’s Pizza storefront, at 1000 S. Henderson Blvd.